It's not magic or a one-of-a-kind strategy to explain the success the Yreka Miners volleyball program has had, head varsity coach Scott Eastman said.

Eastman, in his eighth year as the Lady Miners head coach, said the key reason for the team's achievements has been the dedication of the players and coaches, and most importantly: practice, practice, practice.

"There's no magic formula. It's just hard work," Eastman said.

That's why for twice a week since June, an average of 20-25 girls, from incoming freshmen to seniors, have taken part in two-hour open gym sessions to be better prepared for the season.

Despite coming from a smaller area that does not have club teams, the Lady Miners have been a force in the Northern Section for quite some time.

This includes making the Northern Section Division 4 title game the past two years.

Eastman is pleased to have the girls take time from their summer off to participate. It's especially important for the underclassmen who may be new to high school volleyball.

"We want them to stay connected to the program," he said.

Incoming freshman Rebekah Kimball said that the open gym sessions have been invaluable for her as she gets ready to begin her Lady Miner volleyball career. Getting to work with the coaches and older players helps the younger girls "improve" and be more prepared, so they won't be as confused when fall practices begin and have more of a head start, Kimball said.

Incoming senior Justine Cota said that she has enjoyed helping the younger girls get used to the volleyball program. When she was in their shoes, she recalled how helpful the older players were to her. Now, she wants to return the favor.

Cota tries to lead by example "and be a leader, " which she said "just fell into place." Cota commended the younger girls for their steady progress over the course of the summer.

"They are improving and learning a lot," she said.

During open-gym workouts, coaches are big on repetition with drills and working on fundamentals, Eastman said. This includes serving, passing and blocking the ball.

Eastman said they spend at least an hour during each session on things like serving the ball, with the hopes the constant repetition will make these needed skills be second-nature when the players take to the court this season.

And, he said, "it helps them stay in shape, so when they get back they are ready."

Many of the girls also took part in a YMCA volleyball camp earlier this summer. The camp also has a program for elementary and middle school girls to help them have an early start to volleyball and the Lady Miners program.

Page 2 of 2 - The open-gym sessions end next week, with tryouts set to begin on Aug. 12-14 for the varsity team, with varsity practice starting on Aug. 15. Junior varsity and freshmen tryouts begin on Aug. 19.

The Lady Miners varsity squad opens the year on Aug. 29 at U-Prep of Redding. On Aug. 31 the squad is hosting the Miner Mountain Blast Tournament.